ZOLLINGER-ELLISON-SYNDROME - IMPROVED TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR THIS COMPLEX DISORDER

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by severe peptic ulcer disease, gastric acid hypersecretion, and non-beta islet cell tumors of the pancreas. Most gastrinomas are found within an anat omic area known as the gastrinoma triangle. However, they commonly occ ur in extrapancreatic sites in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syn drome. In patients in whom Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is suspected, la boratory evidence of hypergastrinemia and hyperacidity establishes the diagnosis. Until the advent of proton pump inhibitors, total gastrect omy was the treatment of choice. Therapy with these agents (eg, omepra zole, lansoprazole) can prevent ulcer disease. However, surgical remov al of gastrinomas offers a chance for cure and can improve longevity b y preventing the malignant spread of the tumors.